ESPN has been making significant business strides recently, including the acquisition of the NFL Network which brought back one of their earliest stars from Disney’s portfolio – Rich Eisen. On Monday, he hosted SportsCenter for the first time in twenty-two years and, as expected, honored his old friend and ex-colleague Stuart Scott with a tribute. The event was filled with emotion.
Recently, ESPN has been making significant business moves. One of these recent moves involved buying the NFL Network, which led to the return of one of Disney’s earliest sports broadcasting stars, Rich Eisen. On Monday, he hosted SportsCenter for the first time in twenty-two years and paid tribute to his old friend and former co-host Stuart Scott, stirring up emotions.
In 2003, Rich Eisen stepped away from SportsCenter (and ESPN) to take up a role at the NFL Network. Stuart Scott, a well-respected anchor who had been with the show for a long time, continued to host it until his passing due to cancer in 2015. Upon Eisen’s return to SportsCenter, he acknowledged the obvious and honored the colleague he had worked with for many years by paying tribute to him. Here’s a glimpse of that moment:
It’s strange and poignant to watch that well-known commercial showcasing the late Kobe Bryant, knowing that two out of its three prominent figures have now passed away. It serves as a humbling reminder of life’s fleeting nature, and I can’t help but feel saddened by the loss of both Bryant and Stuart Scott. I can relate to Eisen, who must struggle with missing his dearly departed friend.
[Rich Eisen’s Tribute]
“I have always admired Stuart Scott for many reasons – his talent, his tenacity, and most importantly, his heart. He was never afraid to be himself, and in doing so, he inspired countless others. But I don’t want to just talk about the man Stuart Scott was; I want to share with you the moments that made him my friend.
When Stuart was diagnosed with cancer, I remember asking myself, ‘What can I possibly do or say to make a difference?’ The answer came in the form of a simple message: ‘Don’t just stand there, do something!’ Those words resonated with me and became the motto that carried me through difficult times.
Stuart was not only my friend but also my mentor – teaching me how to find joy even in the darkest moments. He showed me that it’s okay to laugh and enjoy life, even when faced with adversity. I will never forget the day he called me, his voice weakened by treatment, and we shared a moment of pure, unadulterated laughter. That phone call was a reminder of the importance of finding happiness amidst hardship.
Stuart’s spirit lives on in the people whose lives he touched – those who were inspired by his determination, his wit, and his genuine care for others. He was more than just a broadcaster; he was an inspiration, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.
I miss my friend Stuart every day, but I take comfort in knowing that he is watching over us all – encouraging us to laugh, love, and live with passion. So let’s raise a glass to the man who showed us all what it means to truly live.
In this seat beside me, there’s a void that could only be filled by my former co-host who I fondly refer to as my ‘TV wife.’ That spot is held by my late friend Stuart Scott, who, in spirit, is here with us tonight. I often ponder about what he might make of today’s sports news headlines. For instance, imagine his reaction to Bill Belichick coaching at the school he adored, or LeBron James still playing basketball at 40 and reaching 40,000 points. And as new sports programming streams merge on TV, like ESPN acquiring NFL Network and collaborating with my daily show, I wonder what it would be like if Stuart joined Ernie, Shaq, Kenny, and Charles in the studio. I could continue reminiscing about him, because his absence is deeply felt. He should have been sitting here with us tonight.
Despite the anticipation that Rich Eisen might reminisce about Stuart Scott, it’s still moving and somewhat sorrowful to listen to him express his feelings so sincerely about missing him. SportsCenter will forever feel a bit incomplete without Stuart’s iconic catchphrases like “Booyah,” which he would frequently use.
The initial ESPN schedule for Inside The NBA has been released, and it seems many fans, including myself, will express disappointment over some significant alterations.
After his return to SportsCenter, it appears that Rich Eisen’s future at ESPN involves appearing in various shows across different programming, as reported by USA Today. Additionally, his own show, The Rich Eisen Show, is set to air exclusively on ESPN+. Despite this, Eisen will continue his current responsibilities on the NFL Network. In essence, viewers can expect to see Eisen on multiple parts of the network.
On a grander level, ESPN is taking significant steps to uphold its nickname as the “Global Pioneer of Sports.” The acquisition of the NFL Network along with the rights to NFL RedZone, offering live coverage of all Sunday football action during football season, has also been confirmed. Moreover, it was recently disclosed that starting from 2026, ESPN will host all upcoming WWE Premium Live Events.
Make sure to tune into ESPN’s SportsCenter every day. While it’s unlikely that many episodes will match up to the recent one featuring Rich Eisen in terms of emotional impact, remember that the dynamic world of sports might yet provide another deeply touching moment at some point in the future.
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2025-08-19 21:58